Just hours after their son was drafted to Carlton, Tanya and Darren Weitering were elated to announce they’re “definitely all Bluebaggers now”.
“We are one in, all in – there’s no doubt about that,” Darren said.
As the reality of Jacob’s achievement slowly started sinking in, his mother Tanya described the moment she realised her son was heading to Carlton.
“Relief was the overwhelming feeling, it’s been a big build-up so to finally get here (draft day) has been amazing,” Tanya said.
“We were just thrilled when his name was called out.”
Sport has always been a big part of Jacob’s life. Ever since he was a young boy he’s continually taken a keen interest in all sports, but fell in love with footy.
It wasn’t until Jacob was in primary school, that Tanya realised how driven her son was to become a professional AFL player.
“I went back through a few of his photo albums and there was a poster that he’d made back in grade six. You had to talk about what your friends thought you were good at and he did say sport.
“His little goal down the bottom was, like so many boys, ‘I hope one day I’ll play AFL’ and when I read that I thought ‘oh my goodness’ – it’s crazy that we’re actually here.”
The Weiterings, who live on the Mornington Peninsula, already know exactly how to get to Ikon Park. They’ve spent many hours over the last two years watching Jacob play for Vic Country on the Blues' home turf.
Jacob Weitering with proud parents Darren and Tanya. (Photo: AFL Media)
“That’s where we spent so much time, so it’s absolutely fabulous that’s where he’s going to be training – it’s going to be such a big part of his life,” Tanya said.
“We’ll always be involved with Jacob and we are so excited to watch him, of course being his parents, but we are so excited to watch him in the next part of his life and for him to actually spread his wings and go and do something he loves.
“I know he’s rapt to be part of a big traditional Melbourne club like Carlton.”
Jacob’s mature character and calm personality were a talking point during the lead-up to the draft, with his parents admitting sometimes he can be more mature than them!
“He’s always been, from the time he was little – I know it sounds a little cliché – but he’s always been an older soul,” Tanya said.
“Sometimes it’s a bit frightening actually, sometimes we feel he’s more mature than his parents,” she laughed.
Tanya and Darren both described Jacob as a “sponge” because he flourishes in a learning environment – a perfect fit for coach Brendon Bolton.
“He’s a learner, he loves to learn, so he’s very good at absorbing from mentors, schooling, sport – he’s a sponge,” Darren said.
“I think that’s what’s helped him grow and mature.
“I think he’ll absolutely thrive under Brendon just because he learns quickly and he loves that coaching style and teaching style.
“I’m sure Jacob will be extremely happy at Carlton.”
